“It’s an incredible statement for Sam to be playing stadiums on his third album,” says Polydor Label Group president Ben Mortimer. “We are very proud to have played a part in that.” The label will also be revelling, you imagine, in Lana Del Rey’s elevation to stadiums, the US singer-songwriter still on the rise almost 10 albums in.
“Lana’s career continues to go from strength to strength,” says Mortimer. “She’s the great American songwriter of her generation. Her BST Hyde Park show in 2023 was a masterclass, as was her Coachella headline. If anything, these stadium shows are overdue.”
Emma Banks says label support when it comes to live activity can vary – some have more money than others. “They’re all commercial companies, it’s the music business,” she says. “As a commercial company, you can’t be spending money if you don’t expect any return.”
The economics of touring, Banks says, often does not add up. “Record labels are still massive supporters of music and developing artists and sometimes get an unfair rap for not doing enough, but these tour support bills can spiral upwards very quickly,” she says.
The contribution of £1 per ticket to the LIVE Trust [from stadium and arena shows] is crucial, Banks says, so that the next wave and the next wave of headliners can break through. “It’s why the LIVE Trust is so important, putting money back into the grassroots – and that’s not just music venues, but managers, artists, all of the up’n’comers and the places that give them a home are crucial.”
Financial prudence is not limited to the grassroots scene, and Steve Homer says the cost of touring is something that has not gone back to its pre-pandemic cost.
Fan favourites: (Clockwise from main photo) Central Cee, Lana Del Rey and The Last Dinner Party
“Everything’s more expensive, whether that’s labour, trucking or just general operating,” he says.
Banks says it’s about being clever with what you’ve got. “Nobody’s left a gig humming the lights,” she deadpans. “I think it’s actually about being really smart with stage designers, lighting designers, graphics people that get involved with artists and an artist that will listen and take direction with what’s achievable and what isn’t.”
and festivals are looking at the new breed of acts, too”
STEVE HOMER, AEG PRESENTS UK
musicweek.com
“We are already seeing massive activity at stadium level next summer,
Dugi Lipa acknowledges the huge challenge of making the numbers work but says it’s down to the artist and their team to find a way to deliver the best show possible. “At the end of the day, it’s very much down to the artists, the ones that love playing live and love the performances, they have to make it work,” he offers.
Lipa says this summer’s shows will lay the foundations to establish his daughter as one of the world’s biggest pop stars. “People who’ve parted with their hard-earned money to come and see Dua, they’ll come and have a great time,” he says. “Establishing her as a stadium act is the key thing for us.” For Dua Lipa and beyond, it’s about ensuring that the period of headliner-level artist renewal continues into the future. Banks is adamant it’s no flash-in-the-pan scenario. “The artists that are doing well are not going anywhere, they’re here to stay,” she declares. “And the acts that are playing multiple arenas, stadia, headlining or being the penultimate act at festivals, they give huge amounts of encouragement and hope to the next wave of artists.”
“The proof is going to be in the pudding,” says Steve Homer. “Next summer, we’re already seeing massive activity at stadium level. Conversations for festivals for next year are already very active and a lot of it is talking about new breeds of artists. There really is a positive movement, with building blocks already in place for next year and into 2027.” A beaming Jim King says the sky is the limit. “There are no rules, and I feel no restrictions” he concludes. “If the artist is big enough and more importantly has the music and the show to carry off a headline show, then we will book them.”
Music Week | 63
PHOTOS: Simone Joyner, Matthew Baker, Gus Stewart, Getty
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